Frustrated with my health!

[pbass2]

Well, speaking as a geezer like some of us, to all you younguns here---keep moving. Stay active, be healthy. You might get some injuries here and there, but if the underlying structure is strong and flexible, you'll always recover faster and be more resilient. Trying to get in shape (especially if you never really were--it pains me to see so many young, out of shape folks) later in life is a big hill to climb. Start now.

 

[CenTexThumper]

I have cerebral palsy. Have back pain, muscle stiffness, poor balance, and weakness since birth. I play a stream liner or mb fusion through A couple Schroeder 110L. 20 lbs each. I lean up against a wall when playing the good thing about cerebral palsy is your body is very inefficient. I'm 44 now. In the last 5 years or so I put on 20 lbs and am still 15 lbs underweight. I eat whatever I want. I'm a burger connoisseur. The good thing about back pain since birth is you get used to it. It's not a big deal. I refuse to take pain pills. Good thing too or I may be hooked on heroine right now. The good thing about needing very light weight cabinets is it kills gas. Oh that berg is 40lbs? Too heavy.

Damn, dude. I feel like a wimp whining about my ailments. You have my respect. Keep on thumpin', Brother!

 

[SJan3]

Well, as far as I know, chiropractors are working a different angle, though I expect there's some overlap. I'd ask him about it. The thing is, if the fascia is all locked up, the bones and joints all suffer--everything is being pulled and stressed wrong. I've even adjusted how I walk over time with this therapy. I'm more "aligned" now than I was when I was 20. As always, wish I knew then what I know now.....

Oh, my muscles are locked up. I cannot stand up straight. I'm bent forward and to the left. It has improved after a few treatments but it's lingering on.

 

[SJan3]

I'll be 67 in December, still managing to get out and play although i pop Tylenol when i get home. I also appreciate the seat heater in my VW. I've even driven around for 30-45 minutes after a gig just to enjoy the low back relief from the seat heater.

Don't stop playing. Get yourself a Genzler Magellan MG-350 combo (amp in cradle mounted on 110 cabinet) - quality sound and capable of surprising volume - maybe 25 pounds total. You could add a second 110 (21 pounds) from them if you needed big sound. GREAT products...keep this old fart in the game.

I love the Genzler stuff. I need to off some Aguilar GS112s that I love but they are borderline weight wise. 42lbs isn't terrible but nowadays things are lighter.
My Markbass cab(121HR)is only 29 lbs and sounds great!
But I still dig those Aggies.

 

[SJan3]

Use common sense. You don't need more one bass. Find one the is comfortable, use the proceeds on a class D head and good lightweight cab. Nothing wrong with a stool at gigs for when you need it.

Agreed. I've got an Aggie Tonehammer500 and Markbass LM3 so I'm good for power. Just picked up a Markbass cab that I dig and is 29lbs so set there as well. My Basses are medium to medium light weight. I think the equipment is good. It's me that's faulty for not maintaining my body as I should. Many here are encouraging me to do so and I hear them. I going to make some positive lifestyle changes so I can continue on. Thanks for your advice!

 

[SJan3]

Feet are shot with arthritis from running competitively for 30 years and being in denial another 5. By then. Y knees and back were I. Rough shape.

Gained 25 pounds when I finally quit running 10'years ago. Never found aerobic exercise I liked as well.

I've decided at 60 things must change so I've altered my eating habits and increased walking ... with special inserts and Advil. Lost a pound a month so far. I often end up leaning against the back of the stage by the 3rd set

Yes, a good wall to lean in makes all the difference!

 

[SJan3]

Im 41 and have been suffering the effects of autoimmune disease caused by Lyme disease since my mid 20's. Throw in a cervical fusion, piles of meds and more cortisone shots than I will admit to and, you get the picture. I still look like Im in healthy, muscular condition but really, Im a mess. I know that my gigging days have been greatly reduced and I've had to get creative to gig and maintain a solid technique. You just have to do what you can, as long as you can, but know that nothing lasts forever. That's life and there is nothing fair about it.

A sobor response.

 

[SJan3]

I'm 36. And I hate to start listing off my various health issues, because they're fairly extensive and I always feel that people will think I'm just trying to be the center of attention. "HEY LOOK AT HOW MESSED UP I AM!" So I usually try to just gloss over the whole story and cut to the chase. Be nonspecific. If asked, I'll be honest, but for the sake of concision, I'll try to keep it brief.

Firstly, I've been slinging tires for a living for 16 years, and when you add the repetitive motion to some issues that required POWERFUL immunosuppression, my joints are worn well past their 36 years. My right shoulder actually has moderate arthritis that from time to time limits my range of movement and sometimes will hurts for days on end. I have also had many medical treatments that permanently altered my blood chemistry and nervous system, so I frequently suffer from muscle cramps, have tinnitus in my right ear, and peripheral neuropathy that affects my hands and feet. Thankfully, the neuropathy doesn't interfere with my ability to play, but for a reference point, here's a short example: I was walking across my kitchen and every time I took a step I heard a "click". I thought the laminate had come loose, but it happened wherever I stepped. Turns out there was a penny stuck to the bottom of my foot. I couldn't feel it. If I step on something sharp that thing is ALL THE WAY TO THE HILT before i notice, and yanking it back out is a lot more noticeable that it going in. My stamina is not great, and my wonky shoulder combined with a significant amount of muscle loss from systemic coriticosteroid therapy means I usually have to get a helper for heavy gear, for sure if there are stairs involved.

But what I figure is if you want to do something badly enough, you find a way to make it work. I usually get my youngest brother to roadie for me in exchange for seeing shows for free. Maybe it's scaling back your gigging, maybe it's getting some helping hands, or maybe you get some carts or dollies or whatever you need to move your gear around.

That is quite the laundry list! But I'm glad you're still driven enough to keep going. Some great stories here! Thanks for sharing.

 

[SJan3]

At 64, I find myself plagued with neuropathy in both feet. I'm not diabetic. It's just a hereditary condition which has plagued other family members as well. It is VERY painful and, on a bad day, it severely limits the time I can stand and even walk. I am blessed to play with a group of fortyish and fiftyish "kids" who don't object to my using a stool for relief when necessary and are also gracious enough to help with my gear on bad days.
Getting old is definitely not for woosies! I hope when I die, it's on the last note of the last set of the night. I sure wouldn't want that interfering with a gig.

Sounds like a plan!

 

[SJan3]

Well, speaking as a geezer like some of us, to all you younguns here---keep moving. Stay active, be healthy. You might get some injuries here and there, but if the underlying structure is strong and flexible, you'll always recover faster and be more resilient. Trying to get in shape (especially if you never really were--it pains me to see so many young, out of shape folks) later in life is a big hill to climb. Start now.

Thankfully, my body knows what being in shape feels like. Sadly, many people don't. I'd imagine that would be an additional hurdle, but still doable.

 

[SJan3]

I have cerebral palsy. Have back pain, muscle stiffness, poor balance, and weakness since birth. I play a stream liner or mb fusion through A couple Schroeder 110L. 20 lbs each. I lean up against a wall when playing the good thing about cerebral palsy is your body is very inefficient. I'm 44 now. In the last 5 years or so I put on 20 lbs and am still 15 lbs underweight. I eat whatever I want. I'm a burger connoisseur. The good thing about back pain since birth is you get used to it. It's not a big deal. I refuse to take pain pills. Good thing too or I may be hooked on heroine right now. The good thing about needing very light weight cabinets is it kills gas. Oh that berg is 40lbs? Too heavy.

Brother, not sure how I missed your post and I'm sorry!
But I am most impressed with your story and tenacity. I have great respect for you. Keep on playing!

 

[SJan3]

People, I started this thread thinking that my issues were fairly unique but I've discovered and have been humbled by all of the sharing and advice. There are some truly amazing posts here and I'm reminded of the frailties of man; the imperfections.
But I am also reminded of the beauty of uniqueness in all of us and why we're all capable of creating something personal with our instruments.
Thank you all for candidness, kindness and encouragement!
I wish everyone here many more years of making music and I have taken your advice to heart.
Tomorrow is a new day for all of us.

 

[Modder]

Nowhere near as bad, but at 53 my back is shall I say fragile! I've gone down the short scale route as well - also a Mustang PJ, which is also more comfortable for my hands. I can thoroughly recommend a Markbass 121P combo plus 121 extension: good sound and power for pub gigs here in the UK, and my band is quite loud. Plus both units are small and light, similar weight and size and therefore easy to carry. I take just the main combo to rehearsal and both to gigs.

 

[juancaminos]

Wow great thread, not sure if it makes me feel better or not. 63 here and hauling a truck load of bass and pa equipment to gigs. Luckily we are only performing a gig every two months. I have issues with my shoulder from an accident years ago and have issues with my hands, they just don't do what I want them to do and they I get real sore (joint swelling). Mostly though is the diabetes issues that are getting me. I can't stand or walk long without severe foot pain. The problem is that once I get into the show I become numb, so the real pain is the next day. Other that that it's the hip, knee and lower back pains the next few days.

Those of you who think you have issues in your 40's and 50's just wait and see, ever year after 60 is a whole new level of feeling old. And to all of you that just keep on going despite all the things you wrote about you are my inspiration!

 

[climber]

I'm 70 and fortunately still going fairly strong. I consider myself VERY fortunate. I have some back issues, but as long as I keep in decent shape I can get around with them. I have a left rotator cuff issue, but working with weights has helped it a lot. having surgery on it would put a stop to all my activities, so I'm not doing it until I can't take it any longer. I had a spinal fusion in 1976 which helped with a wedged vertebrae. it's still a bit fragile, but I manage with core exercises and stretches.

although I love practicing, I'm definitely a practice junkie, sitting for long stretches is an issue. 45 minutes max and then a 20 minute break up & walking around. drinking plenty of water is important as well.

I was up to 190 a year ago, but with effort, I love chocolate doughnuts, I lost 20 pounds. it made a huge difference. less beer & wine, lots of fresh veggies, very lean meats and not eating after dinner! in addition I go to the gym several times a week for the elliptical machine and free weights and ride my mountain bike 3-5 times a week. I also rock & ice climb a couple of times a week.

switching to light weight gear about 15 years made a huge difference. I'm convinced that my back issues stem from moving pianos, organs and big PA's in the 70's! I have a RevSound 2-10 cab that weighs 35 pounds and Walter Woods and Genzler Magellan amps. my sound has NOT suffered. I have lightweight PA cabs and don't feel funny asking others to help me move stuff. I bought a small collapsible hand truck in the 80's and use it all the time.

I think that the operative thing is "use it or loose it"! I've always been active and I believe that is the key. trying to get back into shape after decades of sloth would likely be very difficult. however, start small and work up. walk down the block & back 3-5 times a week. then go to around the block - 1, 2 and then 3-5 times. walk up the stairs at the mall instead of using the elevator. eventually it will all add up.

and above all DON'T SMOKE! that poopie will kill you!!!!!

 

[SJan3]

Nowhere near as bad, but at 53 my back is shall I say fragile! I've gone down the short scale route as well - also a Mustang PJ, which is also more comfortable for my hands. I can thoroughly recommend a Markbass 121P combo plus 121 extension: good sound and power for pub gigs here in the UK, and my band is quite loud. Plus both units are small and light, similar weight and size and therefore easy to carry. I take just the main combo to rehearsal and both to gigs.

Love the black and white photo.
Looks so "Liverpool"?! Yes, to Markbass. I own their kit as well.

 

[SJan3]

Wow great thread, not sure if it makes me feel better or not. 63 here and hauling a truck load of bass and pa equipment to gigs. Luckily we are only performing a gig every two months. I have issues with my shoulder from an accident years ago and have issues with my hands, they just don't do what I want them to do and they I get real sore (joint swelling). Mostly though is the diabetes issues that are getting me. I can't stand or walk long without severe foot pain. The problem is that once I get into the show I become numb, so the real pain is the next day. Other that that it's the hip, knee and lower back pains the next few days.

Those of you who think you have issues in your 40's and 50's just wait and see, ever year after 60 is a whole new level of feeling old. And to all of you that just keep on going despite all the things you wrote about you are my inspiration!

..and you too are an inspiration!

 

[SJan3]

I'm 70 and fortunately still going fairly strong. I consider myself VERY fortunate. I have some back issues, but as long as I keep in decent shape I can get around with them. I have a left rotator cuff issue, but working with weights has helped it a lot. having surgery on it would put a stop to all my activities, so I'm not doing it until I can't take it any longer. I had a spinal fusion in 1976 which helped with a wedged vertebrae. it's still a bit fragile, but I manage with core exercises and stretches.

although I love practicing, I'm definitely a practice junkie, sitting for long stretches is an issue. 45 minutes max and then a 20 minute break up & walking around. drinking plenty of water is important as well.

I was up to 190 a year ago, but with effort, I love chocolate doughnuts, I lost 20 pounds. it made a huge difference. less beer & wine, lots of fresh veggies, very lean meats and not eating after dinner! in addition I go to the gym several times a week for the elliptical machine and free weights and ride my mountain bike 3-5 times a week. I also rock & ice climb a couple of times a week.

switching to light weight gear about 15 years made a huge difference. I'm convinced that my back issues stem from moving pianos, organs and big PA's in the 70's! I have a RevSound 2-10 cab that weighs 35 pounds and Walter Woods and Genzler Magellan amps. my sound has NOT suffered. I have lightweight PA cabs and don't feel funny asking others to help me move stuff. I bought a small collapsible hand truck in the 80's and use it all the time.

I think that the operative thing is "use it or loose it"! I've always been active and I believe that is the key. trying to get back into shape after decades of sloth would likely be very difficult. however, start small and work up. walk down the block & back 3-5 times a week. then go to around the block - 1, 2 and then 3-5 times. walk up the stairs at the mall instead of using the elevator. eventually it will all add up.

and above all DON'T SMOKE! that poopie will kill you!!!!!

Amen to all you've shared. At 70 you are doing so well! Yes, use it or lose it. Weight loss is key for me. I need to lose 40/50 lbs. it's doable but a major challenge.
I do walk about 2 miles 4/5 times weekly and quit smoking about 13 years ago. Unfortunately, I do often snack at night if I can't sleep. That has to change!
Thanks for sharing.

 

[Deleted member 165050]

So, at almost 63, I suffer from lower and mid back pain(2 herniated discs) along with bad shoulders(rotator cuff surgery).
I cannot take the gigs I'd like and really am not self sufficient to move my own equipment.
I feel my days as a player are limited or certainly restricted.
I'll have to seek out an acoustic/semi acoustic gig that requires no more than 1 bass and a small, lightweight combo.
AND, I'll have to sit. I cannot stand any longer for 3/4 sets.
I feel that my woes are not so common at my age. Anyone else out there with similar issues or are you "fit as a fiddle" in your 60s?

I gigged on Saturday and spent a fair part of the day moving my gear, PA gear and venue seating... and the next day I felt like I'd been run over by a truck. I've already downsized to 112 cabs so no single item is too heavy, so the next step will have to be losing the backline entirely and just using IEMs. I sat on a tall stool for the gig but it really looked wrong. Maybe I'll try a rocking chair, or sitting cross legged on a rug surrounded by plants and candles

 

[Spidey2112]

... frequently stiff all over...I figured it was an over-reaching Cialis dosage.

As long as you don't lose your sense of humor, I'm good with it... goes for you too, @SJan3!